Itchy throat allergy

Itchy throat

An itchy throat can be bothersome and uncomfortable. Allergy is often the underlying cause of an itchy throat. Read more and get our best tips for an itchy throat here.

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What is itchy throat?

Itchy throat is a feeling of itching, and possibly hoarseness, dryness and irritation in the throat. Itching of the palate and mouth can also be present with an itchy throat. The condition can be a symptom of various diseases. Itching in the throat can be experienced as bothersome and unpleasant, but it is rarely serious diseases that are the underlying cause.

Cause of itchy throat?

A common cause of an itchy throat is allergy. Symptoms in the throat and pharynx are typical of allergies to pollen and also some types of food (food allergy). Those who react strongly to pollen may itch in the mouth and throat when there is a lot of pollen in the air. Other symptoms that are typical of pollen allergy are stuffy, runny nose and itchy eyes.

Oral allergy syndrome is a term for itching in the throat and mouth, as well as swollen mucous membranes in connection with allergies. This is typical for cross-allergy in pollen allergy sufferers. The cross-reactions occur as a result of there being substances in foods that are similar to substances in pollen. The symptoms are often triggered by foods such as raw apple, carrot and nuts. Some people experience symptoms only during the pollen season, while others have problems all year round. The lips can also swell due to cross-reactions. With allergies to various foods, one can also experience symptoms such as eczema, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea and hives.

Acute inflammation of the larynx or other parts of the throat can also cause an itchy throat. The inflammation is often caused by viral infections, or overexertion of the voice. Other symptoms of inflammation of the larynx can be dryness and discomfort in the throat, as well as hoarseness. A mild fever may also occur.

Catarrh of the throat is primarily characterized by soreness, but you can also experience itching and irritation in the throat. Coughing, snot and pain when swallowing are also common symptoms. Cold viruses are often the cause of sore throats.

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Good advice

• In the case of cross-allergy, the foods you react to are often tolerated better if they are peeled, boiled or fried. The allergen you react to is destroyed by heat treatment. The exception is nuts and celery.

• If you suspect an allergy to foods, note down when any symptoms occur so that you can find out what you cannot tolerate.

• If you have a pollen allergy, you should try to remove any pollen grains by rinsing your nose with salt water, showering or possibly rinsing your face and hair.

Treatment for itchy throat

Allergy. If you have an allergy, you should try to avoid what you are allergic to as much as possible. In addition, allergy medicine containing antihistamines or cortisone can be used. There are eye drops, nasal sprays and tablets that can be bought without a prescription. In the case of a pollen allergy, allergy medicine is used regularly throughout the pollen season, while in the case of a food allergy, the use of allergy medicine is less common.Inflammation of the throat and pharynx. The inflammation is often caused by a virus, and there is therefore no treatment for this type of disease. Fortunately, it goes away on its own in the vast majority of cases. Painkillers and antipyretics can be used if necessary, while waiting for the illness to pass.

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Sources: Norwegian Matportalen, Allergy guide,  Norwegian Health Information Technology, Helth Norway.